Mechanical time-fuse.



H. THIEL. MECHANICAL TIME FUSE. APPLIOATION FILED MAY 1, 1913.

Patented Oct. 28, 1913.

rrED STATES PAT orrion.

HEINRICH THIEL, OJ? RUHLA, GERMANY, ASSIGNOR TO FRIED. KB IUPP 'AKTIEN- GESELBCHAFT" F ESSEN-ON-THE-RUHB, GERMANY.

MECHANICAL TIMEPFIISE.

115.,W7J107. Specificativn of letters Patent Patented Oct. 28, 1913.

I Application filed May 1, 1913. Serial No. 164,950. 1

To all whom it may concern: constructed according/to this invention and Be it known that I, HEINRICH THIEL, reprovided with clockwork and the adjacent siding at Ruhla, Germany, a subject of the portion of the projectile. Fig. 2 is a sec- Emperor of Germany, have invented a certion on the line 22 of 1; looking from 5 tain new and useful Improvement in Meabove, and Fig. 3 isa. section on the line 55 chanical Time-Fuses, of which the follow- 33 of Fig. 2 looking from the leftin% is a specificatio The driving spring A of the clockwork his invention relates to mechanical time is mounted in a recess ina plate B rigidly fuses with. clockwork, the setting of which connectedizo the body B- of the fuse, and one is performed by the rotation of an external end of it is attached to the hollow main 60 annular Setting member surrounding the spindle C of the. clockwork. The spindle O clockwork. In known fuses of this kind is connected to-the escapement wheel E by the external setting member has to be cona train of pinions D, D D D The cornected, by the aid of a: clutch, which reresponding balance F. is mounted coaxially leases itself automatically when the shot with the axis of the projectile. By means 65 is. -fired,.: to an internal setting disk which of a sleeve 9 fixedto-anarm G which sleeve controlsthe moment of release of the igprojects into thehollow space in the spindle nation apparatus and which in the trans.- C, the said arm Gr isfconnected to the holport state of the fuse can be rotated on one low main spindle C, so as; to be capable of of the shafts of the clockwork, independsliding thereonin the axial direction but 70 ently thereof. in addition to this it is necincapable of rotation 'i-ndependent thereof. essay in these fuses to have an apparatus A. spring 9 placed in the sleeve 9 tends to which enables the setting disk to be autothrust the arm. G in. an axial direction. In matically locked relatively to. theshaft when the transport state-of the fuse, the arm G the shot is fired. prevented from: moving axially by a pawl 75 Fuseswhich possess the advantage of renor catch- Hawhich is pivotally mounted on a dering both the automatically releasable plate B and engages by means of an inclutch and the locking device superfluous, clined. projection 72.? over the arm G, in such are already known. The disadvantage of a manner (see Figs. .2, 3;) that the said these fuses is however, that they cannot be catch H is compelled to turninthe direction 80 set with the aid of fuse setting machines of of the arrow :1.- (see Fig.3) in order to rethe usualconstruction, for the reason that in lease the arm- G. This arm'G being contheircase the external setting member must nected with the sleeve 0, is under the acnot be rotated through an angle of 360 and tion. of the driving spring A, which tends more, as otherwise ignition would take place to:- rotate it, in the direction of the arrow y 85 even while the fuse was being set. V (See Figag n t h P W the The object of this invention is therefore, driving sprlng A Is wound up, the pressure first and foremost to provide-a fuse of the Qofthesprmg is so strong, that the pawl H i kind hereinbefore mentioned which posica-n only effect. the releasing movement un- 40 sesses the advantageof the last mentioned der the influence of; the forces of inertia, 9o

' fuses without beingsubject to their disad- '-whichare. set up when the shot is fired.

vantages. The inventionalso insures the The arm-G carries on'i'ts underside, and d t ge that the transport safety meohcoaxial with thesleeve g anannular shaped anisrn for the clockwork, can be consider-- projection 9 against the inner peripheral 4-5 ably simplified. I

' 7 surface ofwhich,"When-the fuse is in the 5:

A constructional example of the S j trans-port state, bears a projection or lug 2' matter of-thein-vention. is. ill stra he on a lever-J: which is rigidlyconnected to a accompanying drawing, in which spindle-J mounted to rotatein the frame of Figur 1 is all axial 880131-0111 h G' g'h a; the clockwork. The arrangement of the double fuse withv a mechanical. time fuse: parts, isv such that the lever; J tends to fly 10o outward under the action of centrifugal force. To enable this movement to take place, the plate B is formed with a slot .7) running coaxially with the spindle J 2 and through which slot the projection i on the lever J passes. Upon the spindle J is arranged a shoulder 11 When the lever J with its projection 2' bears against the inner peripheral surface of the annularly shaped projection 9 the said shoulder i assumes such a position that a collar 71: on the firing bolt K bears against the shoulder when the firing spring k is cocked.

The fuse is set by means of a setting cap M which can be rotated relatively to the body B of the fuse. This setting cap has an annular portion m which lies'just above the arm G when thislatter is locked in the transport position by the pawl H 7L In the periphery of the annular portion m are provided two contiguous recesses m m rotating the setting cap M the recesses m, m can be brought into any angular position relatively to the arm G. To prevent the adjustment imparted to the setting cap from being lost when the shot is fired, an arrangement is provided in the well known way, by which the cap -M is immovably secured to the body B of'the fuse by the action of the discharge, when the gun is fired.

The percussion fuse N arranged in the body B of the fuse is of known construction.

The action of the mechanical time fuse is as follows :Under the action of the forces of inertia which are set up when the gun is fired, the setting cap is immovably secured to the body B of the fuse in the position given to it when the fuse was set. At the same time the pawl Hwhich secures the arm G overcomes the stress of the driving spring A and swings in the direction of the arrow :0 (see Fig. 3) into its inoperative position so that the arm G is released. The result of this is, that on the one hand the clockwork is set in motion and on the other hand the arm G moves in an axial direction under the pressure of the spring 9 until it bears against the face of the annular portion m of the setting cap M. As soon as the arm G, which is rotated by the clockwork in the direction of the arrow fl/ (see Fig. 2) has arrived under the recess m it enters this latter under the pressure of the spring 9 At the same time the annular projection g on the arm G slides off the projection 72 on the lever J, so that this latter swings outward under the action of centrifugal force. This movement causes rotation of the spindle J At the same time the shoulder 2' slides olf the collar of the firing bolt K, and the firing bolt penetrates the primer under the action of the spring W. The time at which the perforation of the primer takes place is, as will be seen from what has been stated above, dependent upon the adjustment which has been imparted to the setting cap M before the firing of the shot. If the charge of the projectile is not to be ignited by the mechanical time fuse but by the percussion fuse N, the cap M is so set that the recess m lies above the arm G. This is the dead position of the fuse. In' this position the arm G being immediately released by the pawl H, enters the recess m under the action of the spring 9 and is thereby prevented from rotating. Owing to the small depth of the recess m the axial movement of the arm G which takes place under the action of the spring 9 is so short that the projection 2' on the ratchet lever J is not released by the annular projection g on the arm G. The firing bolt K therefore remains safe. When the projectile strikes, the fuse N then acts in the well known way. As the safety device formed by the pawl H h prevents any axial movement of the arm G i ger as far as may be desired. This fact also.

enables the fuse to be set with the aid of fuse setting machines of the usual type of construction.

I claim 1. A mechanical time fuse with a clock work having a firing pin, a casing and a dome revoluble relative thereto for setting the clock work; a driving spring and a centrally located spindle actuated by said spring, a member coaxially mounted to rotate with said spindle and constructed to be axially displaced relative thereto, a safety device coacting with saiddriving spring for normally arresting said member until released by said safety device upon the firing of the projectile, and means cooperating with said dome for displacing said member in the axial direction, and other means actuated by said member for retaining the firing pin in cocked position.

2. A mechanical time fuse with a clock work having a firing pin, a casing and a dome revoluble relative thereto for setting the clock work; a driving spring and a centrally located spindle actuated by said spring a member coaxially mounted to rotate with said spindle and constructed to be axially displaced relative thereto, a safety device cooperating with said driving spring for normally arresting said member, said safety device comprising a hook shaped lever in engagement with said member, said lever actuated by inertia releasing said member upon the firing of the projectile, means 00- operating with said dome for displacing said member in the axial direction, and other means actuated by said member for retaining the firing pin in cocked position.

3. A mechanical time fuse with clock work having a firin pin, a casing and a dome revoluble relatlve thereto for setting the clock work; a driving spring and a' centrally located spindle actuated by said spring, a member mounted to rotate with said spindle and constructed to be axially displaced relative thereto, a safety device cooperating with said driving spring for normally arresting said member until re leased by said safety device .upon the firing of the projectile, and means cooperating with said dome for displacing said member in the axial direction, other means actuated by said member for retaining the firing pin in cocked position, said means comprising a spring adapted to push said member in an axial direction, an annular flange in said dome permitting slight axial displacement of said member, and a recess in said flange adapted to permit additional displacement of said member, whereby said member releases said other means.

4. A mechanical time fuse with a clock work havin a firing pin, a casing and a dome revoliile relative thereto 'for setting the clock work; a driving spring and a centrally located spindle actuated by said spring, a member coaxially mounted to rotate with said spindle and constructed to be axially displaced relative thereto, a safety device coacting with said driving spring for normally arresting said member until released by said safety device upon the firing of the projectile, and means cooperating with said dome for displacing said member in the axial direction, other means actuated by said member for retaining the firing pin in cocked position, said other means comprising an annular collar on said memher, a revoluble bolt having an arm in engagement with said collar, a radial finger on said bolt and an annular projection on said firing pin normally in engagement with said finger; whereby, on the axial displacement of said member, releasing said arm, said bolt actuated by centrifugal force will revolve, thereby releasing the annular projection and the firing pin.

5. A mechanical time fuse with a clock work having a firing pin, a casing and a dome revoluble relative thereto for setting the clock work; a driving spring and a centrally located spindle actuated y said spring, a member coaxially mounted to rotate with said spindle and constructed to be axially displaced relative thereto, a safety device codperating with said driving spring for normally arresting said member, said safety device comprising a hook shaped lever in engagement with said member, said lever actuated by inertia releasing said. member upon the firing ofthe p'rojectile, means cooperating with said dome for displacing said member in the axial direction, and other means actuated by said member for retaining the firing pin in cocked position, said means comprising a spring adapted to push ally displaced relative thereto, a safety dedisplacement of said member releasing said arm said bolt, actuated by centrifugal force, will revolve thereby releasing the annular projection on the firing pin.

6. A combination time and percussion fuse with a clock work having a firing pin governed by said clock work, a casing and a dome revoluble relative thereto for setting the clock work; a driving spring and a centrally located spindle actuated by said spring, a member axially mounted to rotate with said spindle and constructed to be axivice cooperating with said drivmg spring for normally arresting said member, said safety device comprising a hook shaped lever in engagement with said member, said lever actuated by inertia releasing said member upon the firing of the projectile, and means cooperating With said dome for displacing said 3 member in the axial direction, said member comprising a spring adapted to push said member in axial direction, an annular flange in said dome permitting slight axial displacement of said member, a shallow notch and a deep notch in said flange adapted to permit additional displacement of said member, whereby said member releases said other 5 means when engaging said deep notch, but still retains said other means and said firing pin in locked position, when said member engages with said shallow notch, thereby preventing the actionof the time fuse. 1 0

7. A mechanical time fuse having a casing, a primer in said casing, a firing pin for igniting said primer, a spindle rotatably mounted on said casing, a clockwork for rotating said spindle, a revoluble annular setting member inclosing said clockwork for setting the fuse according to the desired dis-' tance of the bursting point, a locking memher for retaining the firing pin in cocked position, said locking member being morinted on said spindle to rotate in unison therewith and adapted to be displaced relatively thereto for releasing said firing pin, and a safety device normally arresting said locking. member against displacement until released upon the firing of the projectile;'said setting memberhaving a portion cooperating with said locking member during the turning of said spindle and being formed to permit the locking member'to be dis- 13c spindle to rotate in unison therewith. and

ring, a primer in. said; casing, a firing -pin tor a safety-device normally arresting said lockthe firing pin in cocked position andadaptplaced relatively tothe-sp-indle fidrmeleasing said firing pin, when said spindle has reached a predetermined angular position, and means for causing such displacement.

8. A mechanical time false. having a cas-1 igniting said primer, a. spindle rotatably mounted on said. casing, a clockworkfor ro-i tating said spindle, a revolnble dome, tor setting the fuse accordingto the desired dis-' tance of the bursting point, 'auspring-oon trolled. locking: arm fpr-retaining-the firing pin in cocked position, and: a spring for-said arm, said locking arm being mounted. on said spindle torotate in unison themewith and adapted to be axially displaced: relatively thereto by theaction. ofsaid controlling spring for releasing said firing pin, and

ing arm against displacement until released upon the firing of-the projectile, said dome havinga projecting portion cooperating with said lockingarm during the turning ofsaid spindle and being provided with a recess allowing the looking arm to be axially displaced relatively to said spindle for releasing the firing pin.

9. A mechanical time fuse having a cas ing, a primer in said casing, afiring pin for. igniting said primer,,a spindle rotatably mounted on said casing, a clockwork for rotating said spindle, a revoluble dome for setting the fuse according tothe desired'distance of the bursting point, a spring-con trolled arm mountedon said spindle-torotate in unison therewith and a controlling spring for said arm tending to axially displace said arm relatively to said spindle, and a safety device normally arresting said arm against displacement until: released upon the firing of'the projectile, said dome having a. projecting portion. cooperatingwith said arm. during the turning of said spindle and. being provided: withv a recess allowing the arm to be axially displaced relatively to said spindle, andsaid arm having an annular collar normally retainingi ed to release the firing pin, when said. arm. has entered said recess.

' 10. A mechanical time fuse having a casing, a primer in said casing, a;.firing pin for igniting said primer, a spindle rotatably mounted on said casing a clockwork having a driving spring for rotating said spindle, a revoluble annular settingrmember inclosing said/clockworkfor setting the fuseaccording to the desired distance of: the bursting point, a locking member for retain-- ing the firing pin in cocked; position, said locking member being mounted: on said adapted to'be displaced relatively theretofor releasingsaid firing pin, and a safety- L Z'KK OV device "controlled by said. driving spring normally arresting said locking member against displacement until released upon the firingof the projectile, said setting member havinga-portion cooperating with said locking member during the turning of said spindle and being formed to permit the lockin member to be displaced relatively to the spindle for releasing said firing pin, when said spindle. has reached a predetermined angular position, and: means for causing such displacement.

.112 A; mechanical time fuse having a casing, a primer in said'casing, a firing pin for igniting said primer, a spindle rotatably mounted: on said, casing, a clockwork having a drivingspring'for rotating said spindle, a revolu'ble dome for setting the fuse according to the desired distance of the bursting point, a spring-controlled locking arm for retaining the firing pin in cocked position, a controlling spring for said arm tending to axially displace it, said locking arm being mounted on said spindle to rotate in unison therewith and adapted to be axially displaced relatively thereto by the-action of its controlling spring for releasing said firing pin; a hook-shaped lever mounted on said casing and normally engaging over said locking arm with aninclined surface, thereby arresting said locking arm against turning in unison with said spindle and against displacement relatively thereto until released; upon the firing of the projectile by the action of inertia, said dome having a projecting portion coiiper'ating with said locking arm during the turning of said spindle and beingprovided with a recess allowing the locking arm to be axially displ'aced. relatively to said spindle for releasing the firingipln.

12. A combination-.time and percussion fuse having a casing,-a primer in said casing, a. firing pin for lgniting said primer, :1

ispindle rotatably mounted on said casing, a clockwork for rotating-said spindle, a rev- ?oluble annular setting member inclosing Zsaid clockwork for setting the fuse accordfing' tothe desired distance of the bursting lpoint, a. locking member for retaining the firing pin in cocked position, said locking member being. mounted on said spindle to ,rotate in unison therewith and adapted to bra-displaced relatively thereto for releasing said firing pin, a safety device normally an .resting said locking' member against displacement until released upon the firing of the projectile; said setting member having a: portion cooperating with said locking member during the turning of said spindle and being. formed to permit the locking member: to be displaced. relatively to the spindle for. releasing said firing-pin,- when said. spindle has reached a predetermined angular position, means for causing such Erfurt, Germany, this 16th day of April, displacement and a stop on said setting 1913.

member for preventing said spindle from rotating after the release of said safetydevice, when said setting member is set for percussion action of the fuse.

The foregoing specification signed at HEINRICH THIEL'.

In presence of HEDWIG HoPPNER, HUGO HIRSOH. 

